Computer Science Week: The Hour of Code 2016Did you know that computing jobs are the #1 source of new wages in the U.S. and they grow at twice the rate of other jobs?! ComputerScienceWeek is a program dedicated to inspiring K-12 students to take an interest in ComputerScience. Students at each building in D147 will again participate in "The Hour of Code" not just next week but throughout the month to celebrate Computer Science. Students are checking out code.org and other great coding sites to learn computer coding. Thank you to Julie White, Washington Media Specialist, Debra Stachovic, Rosa Parks Tech Specialist, and Heather Johnson, District Tech Specialist helping at King and Lincoln, for leading the "Hour of Code" in their buildings.

BIOLOGY BOWL 2016Almost 100 students from Rosa Parks Middle School got to attend and learn at Biology Bowl 7.0 on Thursday, November 10th, 2016! The event was hosted and held at Thornridge High School in Dolton and was bigger this year than in the past. There were 22 planned learning activities. Some of the activities were demonstrated by Thronridge HS teachers and students while most were hands-on activities allowing the visiting students to participate. The students also had the opportunity to make items they could take home and were able to acquire prizes.

On behalf of the Board of Education and District Administration, I welcome you to the 2016-2107 academic school year! Serving as Interim Superintendent of West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147 is both an honor and a privilege for me. I look forward to working with our staff and families supporting the educational prospects for each child served within our school district.

The mission of our school district is to create a climate of excellence by empowering all students and stakeholders to attain their highest potential both academically and socially. Our administration and staff are committed to fostering learning environments with the importance of rigor, relevance, and relationships within education. As members of the West Harvey-Dixmoor School District 147 family, we work with a talented staff of educators and support staff to ensure excellent programs for all students. We believe in the potential of each child and work in partnership with our staff and families to ensure opportunities for the children in our charge.

It is important to provide our children with the academic and social preparation they will need to ensure individualized success. Our goal is to provide structures to analyze student progress and achievement in order to improve educational outcomes for all students. Through a comprehensive curriculum audit, inclusive processes for development of a relevant curriculum will enhance student learning opportunities. This process will be both inclusive and engaging.

Throughout the school year, we will continue to look to our parents, guardians and community members to partner with us to achieve this awesome and exciting task of meeting the needs for our students.